Steve Amerson is known as the vocalist behind some of the most influential music in movies, like “Star Wars: Rogue One,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Patriot,” among many others.
But he’s also a voice of hope for Democrats and Republicans in Congress — a quiet source of peace and prayer and a minister to leaders on both sides of the aisle.
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Amerson, author of the new book, “Tales Of A Troubadour,” is a faithful Christian who runs an intriguing ministry to some of the most powerful men and women in America. And he does it subtly and humbly.
It’s an effort that began in 2014 as a simple move to bring worship services back to the U.S. Capitol.
“There used to be worship on Sunday mornings in the [U.S.] Capitol from 1800 to 1869,” Amerson told the “Edifi With Billy Hallowell” podcast. “Thomas Jefferson would ride his horse from the White House to the Capitol to participate in these services.”
Listen to Amerson reveal the history of worship in the U.S. Capitol — and his influential ministry to members of Congress:
Amerson said these worship events would feature pastors from different churches who would come and preach — a phenomenon that would seem foreign to critics who fail to realize the rich spiritual history present among many American Founders.
These church services ceased in 1869, but they returned in 2014, after a 145-year absence.
“In 2014, I was approached by someone who said, ‘Hey we’re going to re-up these services in the Capitol,'” Amerson recalled.
He was told they didn’t have a budget but would love for him to come and start leading worship. The singer immediately agreed and began heading to Washington, D.C., twice a month. Not long after, supporters stepped in to help cover the costs of his trips.
And, just like that, worship returned to D.C. to inspire members of Congress and their staff. That, though, is just the start of the story, as something else was birthed from the incredible effort that continues today: Amerson started directly ministering to members of Congress.
“I typically would fly into Washington, D.C., on Tuesday afternoon, and the service was not until Wednesday night,” he said. “And so I thought, ‘Well, what am I going to do with Wednesday?'”
It didn’t take long for Amerson to come up with a plan. One day, he started walking around the halls of Congress. As he passed doors with familiar names, he started popping in, introducing himself, and leaving business cards.
“I would write a note, ‘I’m praying for you,’ and I’d leave my card in the office,” he said. “And then I got a bit more organized and, with the help of my assistant, I have note cards printed with my name on the front and my contact information on the back and, each time I go, these cards have … a different verse of Scripture.”
Amerson said he jots down a unique, handwritten note to each representative or senator whom he approaches on his various trips to Washington.
“Each trip, I write 200 notes, and I walk about 10 to 12 miles delivering these notes,” he said.
Amerson said his efforts have opened doors and inspired lives on both sides of the political aisle. He shared several inspiring examples.
“I walked into one office one day [and] the member’s sitting there,” Amerson said. “He closes the doors, and he says to me, ‘I am so lonely … I’m lonely here on the Hill, I’m lonely when I go home to the district,'” he said.
That moment of vulnerability opened the door to a powerful connection for Amerson and the congressman.
Another moment unfolded in an elevator, where a member of Congress said, “I need prayer for my adult son.” The two then prayed together.
“As the elevator’s descending and I’m just praying, we get to the bottom, I miss my floor, we go past the basement — down to the sub-basement where the Subway’s at — and the member says, ‘God put you here for me today,'” Amerson said.
That’s the sort of life change and inspiration that continues to spring from Amerson’s selfless actions in the U.S. Capitol.
You can read more about Amerson’s life and career in “Tales Of A Troubadour.”
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